Save on heating with these four steps

The average Vermont household spends about $2,000 per year on home heating. For some, it’s the second-highest cost after mortgage payments or health insurance. And for a family on a tight budget, heating can claim 30% or more of monthly income. Reduce your costs by lowering your usage and shopping for the best rate on fuel.

Step 1 – Understand your fuel costs

The Vermont Public Service Department surveys the price of heating fuels across Vermont and publishes a monthly Vermont Fuel Price Report. You can use the report to track price fluctuations across fuel types. The report also compares the efficiency of different fuels: electricity, wood, fossil fuels, and others. It converts the energy of each fuel into MMBtu (a standardized unit of energy) for an apples-to-apples comparison of efficiency and cost.

Step 3 – Maintain and care for your heating system

To extend the life of your heating system, we recommend a yearly tune-up or chimney cleaning. This ensures efficient operation and prevents health or safety issues. And if you’re in the market for a new system, size it properly for your home and choose one with a high efficiency rating. See our heating system rebates for more information.